
Siddha medicine originated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Historical texts trace its origin to a community associated with Lord Shiva and his followers. The great saint Agastya is considered the father of Siddha medicine. Thirumoolar, Bogar, Yugimini, and Theraiyar are some well-known Sidhargals or Siddhars (Siddha Practitioners) who have contributed immensely to this field.
Siddha meaning can be, it’s an ancient system of medicine that focuses not only on the treatment of diseases but also considers the patient's behaviour, age, habits, physical health, as well as environmental factors. Siddha aims to revive and restore disease-causing organs while maintaining the balance of doshas. Doshas are the biological elements that govern the physical and mental aspects of our body. The three doshas are vata (air and space), pitta (fire), and kapha (water and earth).
An interesting fact about Siddha medicine is that, it is mainly practised in Tamil-speaking parts of the world. Its name originates from the Tamil word "Siddhi," meaning perfection or achievement. Siddha medicine studies share similarities with Ayurveda, as both fields follow the concept of Panchabhutas. This concept primarily revolves around the functions of the five basic elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) that make up the body. Additionally, there are three combinations of these elements known as the Tridoshas.
The Siddha medicinal system focuses on Kayakarpam, a combination of medicine and lifestyle. Siddhars use 11 types of metals, 64 Pashanams (both mercurial and non-mercurial), 120 Uprasams (salts and other minerals), and animal products for the preparation of medicines. These medicines are used to treat infectious diseases without causing any side effects. Oil and massage therapies are also used in Siddha to treat certain Vatha (locomotory and air-borne) diseases. Minor surgical procedures, such as excision, heat application, bloodletting, leech application, and incision, are also integral in this ancient medical system. Siddha medicine is classified into two types, they are internal medicine and external medicine. Internal medicine is further divided into 32 types on the basis of their form, preparation technique, and expiry period. Similarly, external medicine is categorised into 32 types, such as Ottradam (fomentation), Pottanam (kizhi) and Kimbu Kattal (splint application).
Siddha medicine courses in India are regulated by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), a statutory body under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Numerous colleges offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses in Siddha for students interested in exploring this Indian system of medicine.
Educational institutes currently do not offer any Siddha degree or diploma courses after the 10th standard. However, students have the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree in Siddha Medicine after completing their 12th standard or its equivalent in the Science stream in India.
Below is a list of Siddha courses that prospective students can pursue after completing their 12th or its equivalent in the Science stream.
Postgraduate programmes in the field of Siddha consist of various specialisations. These courses are considered advanced degrees that provide in-depth knowledge about a specialised field in Siddha. They equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to have a successful career in Siddha medicine. A postgraduate degree in Siddha can open up numerous job opportunities in sectors like healthcare, academia, and research.
Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Siddha
The Siddha PG Diploma programme aims to produce efficient Siddha specialists in various sub-fields of Siddha. The specialisations under this course can be pursued after completing the BSMS undergraduate degree. Additionally, candidates must be registered with the Central Council of Indian Medicine or the State Council of Indian Medicine.
Siddha doctorate programmes are pursued by candidates interested in research and teaching fields. Below is a list of Siddha specialisations offered in the doctorate (PhD) level of education.
Siddha course admission depends on the level of education. Students willing to pursue any course in Siddha must clear the respective national-level entrance exams. Qualified students must go through the Siddha counselling process conducted by the Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) of the Ministry of Ayush. The AACCC conducts the counselling process for admissions to UG and PG Siddha programmes. After gaining admission to the preferred college, students must complete the remaining stages of the admission procedures, including siddha course application form filling, document verification and course fee payment, to confirm their seats. For PhD programmes, admissions are based on a written test, followed by a personal interview to discuss the candidate’s research area.
Getting into a top Siddha college can be difficult. There are numerous hurdles along the way that one must go through to secure a seat in one of these colleges. From researching and selecting the course to qualifying the exam and gaining admission, it makes a world of difference when someone is there to guide you. That is where Bangalorestudy comes in. The team of expert counsellors at Bangalorestudy can guide you throughout your admission process.
The Siddha Medical College fee structure varies based on several factors, including the type of college (government or private), the course level (undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate diploma, or doctorate), and the type of seat (general-merit, reserved-merit, management, or NRI quota). Moreover, the Siddha private college fee structure is higher in comparison to government-run institutions. This is primarily due to additional charges that most private institutions include for laboratories, infrastructure, libraries, and other resources.
Siddha is a popular alternative medicine having several colleges in India, most of which are located in Tamil Nadu due to its Tamil roots. These colleges offer exceptional education in the Siddha field and pave the way for successful Siddha practitioners. In addition to government and private Siddha colleges, a few medical and Ayurveda colleges also offer siddha medicine degree courses.
Bangalorestudy can provide admission guidance for your desired Siddha Doctor course. Their admission counselors have extensive experience in providing assistance in selecting a college, helping throughout the admission process and even post admission care. Bangalorestudy services also include providing college campus tours, specialized guidance for NRI students, and many more.
Currently, Karnataka does not have any colleges that offer courses in the field of Siddha. However, the state is known for its exceptional quality education across various fields of study, including other AYUSH courses.
Siddha medicine in Bangalore cannot be pursued due to unavailability of colleges in the region. However, Bangalore remains one of the top cities in India for pursuing quality education in various related educational fields.
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